THE Annual Dharm Shala Children’s Christmas party, held annually to entertain the deprived children of Albouystown and Charlestown, was held on Thursday afternoon at its place of operation on Sussex Street, Albouystown. The late Harry Ramsaroop’s three daughters – Eula Powell and Pamela and Kella Ramsaroop — were patrons of the event.Specially invited guests of the Christmas party included First Lady of the Republic of Guyana, Mrs Deolatchmee Ramotar; Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr Robert Kopecky, and his wife Eliska Kopecky; and Father Christmas, AKA Santa Claus, among others.
In brief remarks to the children in attendance, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar extended them holiday greetings and expressed her thoughts on Christmas. She said, “I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I believe that Christmas is a time for children and family.”
According to Pamela Ramsaroop, the Annual Children’s Christmas party at the Dharm Shala was started in the late 1940s by her grandfather, Phandit Ramsaroop Maraj; and was later continued by her father, the late Harry Ramsaroop, “because he felt it was a wonderful thing to entertain the deprived children in the neighbourhood”.
Ms. Ramsaroop explained to the Guyana Chronicle that, despite the death of Harry Ramsaroop, which occurred a mere month ago, she and her sisters, “did not want to stop the tradition.
“We would like to continue hosting the Christmas party and continue to support the work of the Dharm Shala,” she said.
Approximately 200 children were entertained with food, drinks and treats. At the end of the party, they were presented with wrapped presents and goodie bags, while they were treated to Christmas carols being played by the Salvation Army band.
The Dharm Shala is an institution that assists homeless persons and the less fortunate with food and shelter. It is managed by the Ramsaroop Family year round, and is totally dependent on donations from individuals and firms.

(By Tash Van Doimen)